The Ivory Coast national football team, led by coach Emerse Faé, is set for an exhilarating encounter with the reigning world champions, Argentina. This revelation comes as part of Argentina’s upcoming tour to China during the international break in March.
The Elephants’ qualification for the quarter-finals of the CAN 2023 tournament, hosted by Ivory Coast, has added to the nation’s jubilant spirit.
The quarter-final clash saw them surprise defending champions Senegal in a thrilling match that ended 1-1, ultimately decided by a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.
Now, Ivory Coast fans have another reason to celebrate as the team is scheduled to face Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates in a high-profile international friendly.
The Argentine Football Federation (AFA) confirmed this exciting development on Tuesday, announcing a tour of China from March 18 to 26.
During this tour, Argentina will take on Nigeria at the Olympics Sports Center stadium in Hangzhou before crossing paths with Ivory Coast at the Beijing Workers’ Stadium.
The exact dates for these encounters will be disclosed in the coming hours, according to AFA.
This clash between Ivory Coast and Argentina adds a compelling chapter to their football history. In the past, the two teams faced off twice, with Argentina emerging victorious both times.
Their last meeting occurred during the group stage of the 2006 World Cup, resulting in a 2-1 victory for Argentina.
Notably, Argentina and Nigeria share a footballing history, having clashed 11 times in the past.
The most recent encounter took place during the 2018 World Cup, with Argentina securing a 2-1 victory in the group stage. As these football powerhouses prepare to meet on Chinese soil, fans eagerly anticipate the spectacle that this clash of titans promises to be.
#SelecciónMayor El plantel que conduce Lionel Scaloni jugará ante Nigeria y Costa de Marfil en la gira asiática de marzo.
📝https://t.co/b9RmnqafSf pic.twitter.com/IsUe7HxiQ0
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) January 29, 2024
